The Spread of Hidden Food Allergens

18/08/06 Back-to-school often means last minute doctor's appointments, haircuts, and new clothes. But it's also an anxious time for families who have children with food allergies.

For parents of children with food allergies, risks extend beyond the cafeteria into the classroom, even to the school buses and field trips. The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN), a nonprofit, patient advocacy organization, providing education and awareness on food allergy and anaphylaxis, says the risk of accidental exposure in those environments away from the cafeteria can be just as life-threatening.

"Often, parents and school staff think about avoiding allergens such as peanuts, milk products, or other foods in the cafeteria. Parents of children with food allergies should work with school staff to prepare a comprehensive plan to protect the child in all school settings and control the exposure to materials that could cause a reaction. Nothing should be taken for granted," said Anne Munoz-Furlong, Founder and CEO of FAAN.

More than two million school-aged children have food allergies. For many, even trace amounts of a food allergen can cause anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can result in hives, swelling, unconsciousness, and possibly death.

"Nearly 90 percent of school nurses indicated that when compared with other health issues, food allergy among children is very serious. The issue needs to be addressed by school officials as the average U.S. public school has 10 students with food allergies," continued Munoz-Furlong.

It is essential that school staff never let their guard down and always take the proper precautions. FAAN explains that any prop or project with food that contains any of the top eight allergens -- milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans, pistachios, walnuts, etc.), fish, shellfish, wheat, and soy increases the risk for causing a reaction in a school setting to a child with food allergies.

Exposures to hidden food allergens extend beyond the cafeteria to objects in classrooms, field trips, and even materials used in art class. For example:

* In the classroom, peanut butter is used to make bird feeders or used
  peanut jars may be used to hold crayons.

* During school field trips, tree nuts may be found in "fossil digs" in
  museums.

* In art classes, wheat can be found in papier mache, while egg may be
  used to thicken tempera paint.

Munoz-Furlong suggests families meet with school staff to go over all allergy needs, check materials and labels in art and science supply closets, and establish a plan so that they have a means of communication throughout the school year. She also suggests educators substitute food rewards with stickers, certificates, or pencils.